Charley Boswell reckons this season’s champions will be well equipped for the step up - because the Premier League is so tough.

Albion Women have sent hopes of making the big step up to the second tier of Super League soaring again after a brilliant 2-1 win at leaders Cardiff City.

They reduced arrears from four points to just one, helped by goals from Kate Natkiel and Any Taylor.

Charlton, who visit the Amex in what looks a crucial tussle on December 6, are three points behind the Seagulls with two games in hand.

Boswell, who has been with the club for ten years since joining the centre of excellence at the age of 14, is excited by the title race as standards rise quickly.

The wing-back from Lancing said: “Last year Coventry were in the other league.

“They have come across and have made it tougher.

“It’s exciting to be involved and people who follow us are more aware now of the struggles we have got to face.

“It makes it all more realistic.

“It’s better preparation I think for when we go Super League.”

Albion would have slipped well off the pace had they lost to Cardiff.

But Natkiel scored early after a nice move involving Sophie Perry and Charlotte Gurr.

Then Taylor, who had earlier hit the bar, added a second before City replied.

Boswell reckons last year’s near miss on top spot is driving Albion on, even though boss James Marrs insists on not looking too far ahead.

She said: “We are out working all day, then train three nights a week.

“We start at 7pm and are meant to finish at 9pm.

“It’s hard work and it’s tiring but we are all there to enjoy a successful season.

“Last year we missed out narrowly which was heartbreaking and we don’t want that to happen again this season so the commitment has to be there.

“James has made us all aware that we are working for every weekend as opposed to the end goal.

“But we would be lying if we said we hadn’t thought about Super League. That’s where we want to be.

“Super League is completely different. There’s a lot more money involved so they like to help people go part-time or full-time pro.

“That is something we have to aspire to but it’s not something that has to be the reason we are involved.

“That is why we commit ourselves now, to prove what sort of people we are and what we are about.”

Amelia Ritchie made an impressive debut at Cardiff as part of a back three and Hollie Olding got on in the second half for her first appearance.

Both have followed in Boswell’s footsteps by progressing through the ranks.

Marrs said: “I must say that Amelia Ritchie played exceptionally well on her senior debut and it’s very pleasing to see one of our centre of excellence players rising to the challenge of playing in the first team.”

Albion host West Ham at Culver Road tomorrow (2pm).